University Chemistry ›› 2018, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (1): 1-6.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX201711035

• Chemistry Today • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Cryo-EM Method for High-Resolution Structure Determination: A Brief Introduction to 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Zhifei LI,Ning GAO*()   

  • Received:2017-11-28 Published:2018-01-13
  • Contact: Ning GAO E-mail:gaon@pku.edu.cn

Abstract:

The 2017 Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson for their contribution to developing the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) method for high-resolution structure determination of biomolecules in solution. In recent years, cryo-EM is leading a revolution in structural biology, and becoming a major tool in studying the structure and function of biomolecular machines. Here, we briefly describe the method development of cryo-EM and the personal contributions of the three Nobel Laureates.

Key words: Cryo-electron microscopy, Biomolecules, Structural biology, Nobel Prize in chemistry